Directing Michael Mcintyres Big Show VT's | Midnight Gameshows

James Clampin

Director and Shooting P/D

Over the past five years, directing the 'Midnight Gameshow' segment on Michael McIntyre's Big Show has been an exhilarating journey. This unique segment involves surprising celebrities in their homes during the middle of the night, leading to spontaneous and entertaining moments that captivate our audience.

The Evolution of Midnight Gameshow

Initially, the concept centered around visiting the homes of unsuspecting members of the public, often conducting two surprise segments in a single night. However, for Sport Relief, we decided to elevate the experience by featuring our first celebrity guest, tennis champion Andy Murray. This shift not only added a new layer of excitement but also set the stage for future episodes featuring well-known personalities.

Memorable Celebrity Surprises

Over the years, we've had the pleasure of surprising a diverse array of celebrities:
  • Gino Dicampo
  • Peter Crouch
  • Andy Murray
  • Sam Thompson and Zara Mcdermot
  • Bradley Walsh 
  • Peter Andre
  • Perre Edwards (This Series)

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Behind the Scenes: A Collaborative Effort

What viewers see on screen is the culmination of meticulous planning and coordination by a dedicated team of 30-40 professionals. Beyond the on-camera presence of Michael and the camera crew, the success of each segment relies on:
  • Security: Ensuring the safety of all participants during these late-night shoots.
  • Extras: Adding elements of surprise and engagement to enhance the experience.
  • Production Team: Overseeing logistics, scheduling, and seamless execution of the plan.
  • Special Effects: Creating unexpected and thrilling moments that add to the surprise.
  • Wardrobe and Makeup: Preparing costumes and appearances to align with the theme of each surprise.
  • Set Design: Transforming spaces to create immersive and convincing environments.

The genuine reactions from celebrities are a testament to the effectiveness of our covert operations. Typically, their close friends, family, or management teams are in on the surprise, ensuring that the unsuspecting participants remain completely unaware until the moment of the reveal.

The Thrill of the Unexpected

Directing the Midnight Gameshow is undeniably one of the most exhilarating roles in television production. The combination of spontaneity, celebrity involvement, and the element of surprise creates a dynamic environment that keeps both the team and our audience eagerly anticipating each episode.

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Taking up Water with a Spoon